What to Wear to Life's Big Moments: Complete Event Dress Code Guide 2026

Life's milestone moments deserve outfits that match their significance. Whether you're attending a graduation ceremony, celebrating a new baby at a shower, witnessing a baptism, or honoring someone's career at a retirement party, dressing appropriately shows respect for the occasion and the people celebrating.

This comprehensive guide covers the dress codes and outfit ideas for every major life event you might attend in 2026. Bookmark this page—you'll refer back to it again and again.

What to Wear to a Graduation Ceremony

Graduation ceremonies blend formality with celebration. Whether you're the graduate or a proud guest, your attire should be polished and photo-ready.

For Graduates

According to university guidelines, dress in business casual or semiformal attire under your cap and gown. While most of your outfit will be covered, you'll be photographed before, after, and during the ceremony.

Best choices:

• Knee-length dress in white, cream, or neutral tones
• Blouse with dress pants or tailored skirt
• Comfortable heels or elegant flats (you'll be walking on grass and stairs)
• Modest necklines—no midriff showing

Avoid: Sneakers, flip-flops, jeans, or anything too casual.

For Guests Attending Graduation

Dress smart casual to semiformal:

• Sundress with cardigan for outdoor ceremonies
• Tailored pants with elegant blouse
• Midi dress in cheerful colors
• Comfortable shoes for standing and walking

What to Wear to a Baby Shower

Baby showers are joyful, celebratory events. The dress code typically falls between casual and dressy casual, depending on the venue and time of day.

Daytime Baby Shower

• Floral midi dress (especially popular in spring/summer)
• Pastel colors—pink, yellow, mint, lavender
• Comfortable heels, wedges, or nice sandals
• Light, feminine accessories

Evening Baby Shower

• Elegant jumpsuit
• Cocktail dress in soft colors
• Dressy separates (silk blouse + tailored pants)

For the Mom-to-Be

You're the guest of honor! Wear something comfortable that photographs beautifully and accommodates your bump:

• Maternity maxi dress in your favorite color
• Fitted maternity dress that highlights your bump
• Comfortable flats or low heels
• Hair and makeup done to feel special

What to Wear to a Baptism or Christening

Baptisms typically take place in religious settings, so modest, conservative attire is appropriate. Colors should be respectful—avoid all black (funereal) and overly bright or attention-grabbing colors.

For Women Guests

• Knee-length or midi dress with covered shoulders
• Soft colors: cream, blush, light blue, sage
• Tailored pants with modest blouse
• Closed-toe shoes
• Bring a cardigan or shawl for church

For Godmothers

As godmother, dress slightly more elegantly than other guests:

• Elegant dress in sophisticated color
• Avoid competing with the baby's white christening gown
• Classic jewelry
• Comfortable but polished heels

What to Wear to a Funeral or Memorial Service

Funeral attire should be respectful, conservative, and understated. The focus is on honoring the deceased, not on fashion.

Traditional Funeral

• Black, navy, gray, or dark colors
• Knee-length or longer dress or skirt
• Covered shoulders (bring a jacket or cardigan)
• Closed-toe shoes with low heels
• Minimal jewelry
• No flashy accessories

Celebration of Life

Some families request brighter colors to celebrate the deceased's life. When this is specified:

• Wear the requested color or theme
• Still dress modestly and respectfully
• Avoid overly casual pieces

What to Wear to a Retirement Party

Retirement parties vary widely based on the honoree and venue—from casual backyard BBQs to formal dinner events.

Office/Formal Retirement Party

• Cocktail dress or elegant jumpsuit
• Business formal separates
• Professional yet celebratory
• Heels or dressy flats

Casual Retirement Celebration

• Nice jeans with elegant top
• Casual dress or maxi dress
• Sandals or comfortable heels

What to Wear to a Bridal Shower

Bridal showers are typically daytime events with a feminine, celebratory atmosphere.

• Floral or pastel dress
• Elegant jumpsuit
• Dressy separates
• Avoid wearing white (reserved for the bride)
• Comfortable shoes for mingling and games

What to Wear to an Engagement Party

Engagement parties range from casual to cocktail depending on the venue. When in doubt, dress on the nicer side.

• Cocktail dress in rich jewel tones
• Chic jumpsuit
• Midi skirt with statement top
• Heels or dressy sandals
• Don't wear white or anything bridal

What to Wear to a Bar or Bat Mitzvah

These celebrations combine a religious service with a party, often requiring two outfit approaches.

For the Ceremony (Synagogue)

• Conservative, modest dress
• Knee-length or longer
• Covered shoulders
• Subtle colors and patterns

For the Party (Reception)

• Cocktail attire typical
• More festive colors and styles
• Dancing-appropriate dress
• Wear a dress that works for both, or plan a quick change

Universal Rules for Life Events

No matter the occasion, these principles apply:

• When in doubt, dress up. It's better to be slightly overdressed than underdressed.

• Check the invitation. Dress codes are often specified.

• Consider the venue. Church requires different attire than a restaurant.

• Think about photos. You'll be in pictures—dress accordingly.

• Prioritize comfort. Most events involve standing, sitting, and socializing for hours.

Find Inspiration for Every Life Event on Looqs

Life's big moments call for outfits that make you feel confident and appropriately dressed. But finding the right look for each specific occasion can be challenging—especially when events have varying levels of formality.

At Looqs, we've curated thousands of real outfit ideas from fashion influencers for every occasion imaginable. Following Philip Kotler's principle that effective solutions come from understanding specific needs, our AI-powered platform helps you find the perfect outfit for your exact event type, body type, and style preferences.

Whether you're heading to a graduation, baby shower, or any milestone celebration, discover personalized outfit inspiration that makes every moment memorable.